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B-2 Spirit vs B-57 Canberra

B-2 Spirit vs B-57 Canberra at a glance — top speed 972 vs 960 km/h, range 11,000 vs 4,380 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 24,365 kg, built 21 vs 403 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Martin B-57 Canberra bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-57 Canberra
Specifications
B-2 Spirit B-57 Canberra
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Martin
First flight 17 July 1989 20 July 1953
Year introduced 1993 1954
Number produced 21 units 403 units
Average unit price $750 million --
Wing area 478.0 m² 89.0 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 19.5 m
Height 5.0 m 4.5 m
Length 21.0 m 20.0 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 960 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 4,380 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 13,745 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 24,365 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 12,285 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 2 x 3,275 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-2 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 972 km/h compared to the B-57 Canberra's 960 km/h, a difference of 12 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the B-57 Canberra's 4,380 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the B-57 Canberra's 13,745 meters (45,095 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the B-57 Canberra's 24,365 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-2 Spirit is longer at 21.0 meters compared to the B-57 Canberra's 20.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-57 Canberra entered service first in 1954, 39 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or B-57 Canberra?
The B-57 Canberra has been produced in greater numbers with 403 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.